Bluetooth Headset Roundup 194
An anonymous reader writes "Here is an interesting comparison of four of today's best Bluetooth headsets. These devices are becoming increasing popular, both as a gadget and accessory, but despite how stylish they get, performance and comfort are still serious issues. Joe Selim takes a look at four very different products, two from Jabra and two from Plantronics, in order to make some sense of things."
Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:4, Informative)
Of course, anything that requires real security would apply it's own encryption/identity management on top of BT, which makes this point moot.
X.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:2)
Mod down or back this up with a link please.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:2)
One is harmless, one is similar to the Paris Hilton scenario.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:3, Insightful)
Like, say, talking on the phone?
Which of these headsets implement their own encryption/identity management on top of BT?
Just buy a Verizon Phone (Score:2)
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:2)
1. Evesdropping
2. Some kid running off with your keypad.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:2)
I know what you are getting at, but consider it this way by paraphrasing your comment:
Why use a wireless remote control for your TV when a wired one works just as well and you don't need to change the batteries? Plus it means your dog can't run off with it.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:5, Informative)
Awhile ago, they'd figured out how to hijack the 'introduction' process between two devices, but it only worked during introduction, so it wasn't a terribly useful attack.
But then someone else discovered how to force a reintroduction at will. Between the two holes, Bluetooth has no security whatsoever, unless something pretty dramatic has changed in the last six months.
Be sure to read replies, as I've not been paying close attention to this. But as far as I know... don't send anything over Bluetooth you care about.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:4, Interesting)
Kilometers would be extremely expensive, but a few hundred meters should be doable with Pringles-can-level equipment.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:2)
Well, dont forget that Bluetooth is the transport layer. All these things happen over other transport layers if the security is not good enough at each end. The major difference seems to be that when you buy a device with 'Bluetooth' its usually an unprogrammable device (phone, headset, ..) so you can't rework the config
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:2)
Whether or not you can do anything with what you intercept is another issue.
Re:Security and other Bluetooth bits (Score:3, Informative)
I suggest, therefore, not typing critical passwords on Bluetooth keyboards, and not saying incriminating things on Bluetooth headsets.
Lt Uhura- is that you? (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Lt Uhura- is that you? (Score:2)
Re:Lt Uhura- is that you? (Score:2)
If it is, according to The Register [reghardware.co.uk], May 10th.
Assuming also that you're on this side of the pond =/
Coral Cache (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.xyzcomputing.com.nyud.net:8090/index.p
Already out of style (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Already out of style (Score:2)
I don't know the "ANSWER" (Score:2)
and one has a radio designed to reach a couple of feet.
Re:Already out of style (Score:2)
See here [wikipedia.org] where somebody(ies) editing the article tried to make it sound like there's some risk involved. But it - and this is the funny part - cites this [wikipedia.org] which, if you read both articles, contradicts what the phone article just said.
I'll paraphrase: Cell phones emit radiation on a frequency incapble of cellular or subcellular damage (non-ionizing radiation). The only remaining possible electro-magnetic radiation damage possible is heat which requires vastly different frequen
Re:Already out of style (Score:2)
Re:Already out of style (Score:2)
And now that I've responded to your AC comment, it kinda looks like I'm talking to myself unless threshold is set at 0 or less.
Motorola? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Motorola? (Score:2)
I have a drawer full of these b
headset in public? (Score:2)
Re:headset in public? (Score:3, Interesting)
I understand the hands-free necessity in c
Re:headset in public? (Score:2)
But I agree that in public it's disconcerting if not just plane rude. My original post was meant to not be in public. I have no problem having my cell phone glued to my ear walking down the sidewalk. I was making a point to the fact in a work enviroment comfort and durbaility is key.
Re:headset in public? (Score:2)
I talk almost exclusively via speakerphone because I like the flexibility to not have a phone plastered against my face and talking to my hand.
But I don't do this typically while walking down the street. What I want to know, is what are these people talking about all the time, and how do they pay for it (or at least justify paying for it)?
I live near a university campus, and about 2/3rds of the kids walking on campus have a phone plastere
Re:headset in public? (Score:2)
You can't legislate manners, people either have them or they don't.
Re:headset in public? (Score:2)
You haven't answered anyone else, so I'll ask you straight out: Why should I care that you know whether or not I'm talking on a phone? Further, why should I subject myself to what you yourself identify as discomfort
Re:headset in public? (Score:2)
My friend was always talking with one of these. We'd be driving somewhere, and all of a sudden he starts talking in short sentences about I-don't-know-what. Apparently, he either made or received a call. And while he's doing that, he'll occasionally direct a question or comment my way. So I can't just ignore it.
Here's what it boils down to. Using a headset forces other people to pay attentio
Re:headset in public? (Score:2)
Stereo headsets (Score:5, Interesting)
Motorola Stereo Bluetooth headset [ebay.com]
Generic Bluetooth Headset : Headphone MP3 Player FM Stereo Radio [ebay.com]
Re:Stereo headsets (Score:2)
People who want to use them with mobiles as well as with their computers generally don't want wrap around headsets.
Re:Stereo headsets (Score:5, Informative)
Normally Bluetooth headsets use the Headset profile for transmission of audio data over low latency isochronous links and is mono only, but these boys are using the newer "Advanced Audio Distribution Protocol" (A2DP) which operates over rfcomm (emulated serial) links and is not well supported in cell phones as yet.
In fact, the first link you posted said that the only phone that supports it properly is only available in Asia, though I saw on Nokias website recently that a few of their newer models will be supporting it (eg 6125).
Re:Stereo headsets (Score:2)
Normally Bluetooth headsets use the Headset profile for transmission...
That's not entirely accurate. Headsets can use either the headset profile or handsfree profile, with the latter being more featureful and much more commonly used on all but the most low-tier headsets. Both are routinely supported by cell phones.
While you're correct that A2DP is used for stereo audio, any A2DP headset that has a microphone will also support HFP, as A2DP is output-only. The Motorola HT820, for example, even supports
Re:Stereo headsets (Score:3, Informative)
You can only use the stereo mode while not using the mic, and it's still suboptimal sound quality. And they're quite buggy.. Not a buy I would recommend anyone
Google around for WIDCOMM + Motorola + HT820 and you'll find that half the net is full of people with problems with motorolas solution.
Driving. (Score:2)
What about while wearing glasses? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:3, Informative)
I bought a Nokia NS-26W [nokiausa.com] bluetooth headset about a month ago. It clips around the back of the ear rather than over the top. It's reasonably comforable when I'm wearing my sunglasses.
I paid $69 Australian from Organiser World [ow.com.au]. If you're in the US, you can get it from Amazon.com [amazon.com].
Did you see the size of that thing?? (Score:2)
I only got 1 problem with it; my headset disconnects suddenly from my 6310i (when phones still where workhourses without too much gadgets) ; unable to find the headset again. The headset switches off every time together while searching.
Batterylife is annoying too; 14hrs standby if lucky and not connected.
Re:Did you see the size of that thing?? (Score:2)
The HS26-W is 2.6 inches long, which means it only extends about an inch past your ear. They all hav to extend slightly past your ear (towards your mouth) so that the microphone can pick up your speech. I think this one's quite a good compromise between a long headset arm and poor sound quality.
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:2)
However, the glasses need not to have too thick branches and it must be well polished to avoid hurting your ears.
The only time I found very cumber
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:2)
Comfort and clarity aside, the number one feature for me is the ability to bond to two devices. I have m
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:2)
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:2)
Lasik is minimum £800 (£400 per eye) for the no frills version. Plus there's the incumbent risk (around 5% of lasik surgery introduces complications making their eyesight worse, ranging from double vision to complete blindness - source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2001-06-28-las ik.htm [usatoday.com], amongst others).
Glasses are dirt cheap and absolutely safe. If you don't like the look modern contact lenses are also dirt cheap and absolutely safe.
Current facts (Score:2)
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:2)
Pardon my use of different monetary units but if you pay cash you can frequently get it done for $300 per eye, VASTLY lower than you're estimating. Not having to deal with insurance companies is often a strong motivator.
Also, while there is danger, the actual occurrence of further injury during lasik is very low. On the other hand, it's pretty much certain that if you don't get it done, your vision will continue to degrade as you age...
Re:What about while wearing glasses? (Score:2)
OR trendy enuf to suffer from keratoconus [wikipedia.org] which makes Lasik a non-option?
Some of us like our night vision. (Score:2)
Not hearing aid compatible (Score:2, Informative)
Why would you want one? (Score:2)
Re:Not hearing aid compatible (Score:2, Insightful)
Please. They're limiting their potential customer base to the 99% of the population who:
1. Don't have hearing aids.
and
2. Would use headsets.
Financial suicide, that is.
Jabra JX10 (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Jabra JX10 (Score:2)
Re:Jabra JX10 (Score:2)
Startlingly functional (Score:3, Interesting)
I think it's an excellent example of the fact that functionality and sheer usefulness will make or break any technology, and furthermore, that even the most "far-out" technology can and will be embraced by all walks of life if it fills a genuinely useful function. Some might see these devices and assume only the geeks or early adopters would give them any attention, but all over Queens and Brooklyn I see car service drivers with them, bicycling delivery guys, etc..
PSTN-bluetooth phone (Score:2)
Basically at work I need to answer the phone, but a lot of the time I'm not at my desk.
The problem is, it needs to actually lift the reciever. I've come across one such product, but it doesn't look all that good. Does anyone else know of this?
Re:PSTN-bluetooth phone (Score:2)
Re:PSTN-bluetooth phone (Score:3, Informative)
For example, the Plantronics CS-50 [plantronics.com]
Don't buy it directly
avoid driving with the blue flashing LED (Score:4, Funny)
Re:avoid driving with the blue flashing LED (Score:2)
HTH!
J.
Re:avoid driving with the blue flashing LED (Score:2)
Re:avoid driving with the blue flashing LED (Score:2)
http://led.linear1.org/wired-magazine-blue-led-ba
http://martybugs.net/articles/bling.cgi [martybugs.net]
Alternative Bluetooth headsets and security (Score:2, Informative)
I have used a couple of Southwing's headsets, the best one being the SH305, and I can tell you it's the most comfortable one I have tried. Besides, it's the one that supports most handset models, as they follow the Flash-based firmware model, meaning their software is V2.4, each revision adding fixes and support for new phone models. Firmware cannot be updated by the user however. Most manufacturers burn a ROM mask onto the Bluetooth chip with their firmware, but this means that making changes is anti-ec
Killer app (Score:2)
I rarely see anything else using Bluetooth and if that's all there is...
Re:Killer app (Score:2)
Basically it mutes, or sets the volume 1/10 of the power whenever a call comes in.
Most aftermarket models have had a wired in version ATT for a while but that obviousely involved wiring a cradle to the deck. Not nearly as useful as just having a phone be able to signal the dev
Stereo (Score:2)
I have a Treo 650 and love it. I just wish someone could get wireless stereo and mic functionality working.
Bluetooth current versions apparently have crappy bandwidth and can't handle decent stereo, so it will be years for BT to handle this simple request.
There are wireless options for ipod (just headphones really) but to really get the use out of a convergence device, you need a mic as well.
Someone out there must be working on this, but I have not found it...
Re:Stereo (Score:2)
Thanks to the crappy BT implementation on my Treo, I doubt I will be able to use this without an upgrade.
Even the new Treo probably has limitations on this.
There should be a BT independant way of getting stero and mic wireless to my earhole, just plug a little BT box in my Treo and go. I could use it on a ipod or home stereo if I wanted, no BT headaches...
Re:Stereo (Score:2)
Bluespoon AX2 (Score:3, Informative)
I'm not saying that now this is the only headset with these features, but that feature set combined with the Bluespoon rep and the $70 price tag has made me a happy camper. So if you're comparing I suggest you take a look.
Re:Bluespoon AX2 (Score:2)
I'm not completely clear on this multi-pairing thing. I have the same issue as you - I want to use the same headset with my phone and my computer. I think most headsets, including my logitech, are able to remember multiple pairings. The issue is whether they can be simultaneously paired with multiple devic
Re:Bluespoon AX2 (Score:2)
I want one headset with two phones (Score:2)
What I'd love is to wear one headset and keep both phones in my backpack or suit pocket (depending on the day) and no matter what phone gets a call, it'll ring inside the headset and I can answer it.
I read that entire article and was hoping that feature would be covered, but alas, except for some specialized setup with some certain type of office phone, noth
Re:I want one headset with two phones (Score:2)
I bought the plantronics 640 (Score:2)
Here are the
The wonderful more than you can believe it! (Score:2)
Good review other than that, although it would have been nice to see more than two companies represented.
So they _claim_ these units aren't the problem? (Score:2)
In other words, aside from how cool you look walking down the street wearing it, I would suggest leaving a message to yourself with any headset to see what impression you leave. Honestly, some m
Not even close to a "roundup" (Score:5, Insightful)
If you're looking for a bluetooth headset, don't use this roundup at all, since there are plenty of great headsets which cost less than half the ones reviewed.
Re:Not even close to a "roundup" (Score:2)
I was simply pointing out that this article shouldn't be considered aa good sampling of bluetooth headsets, and that most are cheaper. I can't say much more than that other than I own a Motorola HS820, it cost $35, it works great.
While you're there... (Score:2)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chav [wikipedia.org]
I'm still waiting.... (Score:2)
"Do not stare into laser with remaining eye"
Logitech BT headsets (Score:2)
Logitech Mobile Freedom Bluetooth Headset
PROS:
- On the whole the sound quality is quite good, even in windy conditions.
- The fit/comfort is very good. I wear it on my right ear, but it works on either.
CONS:
- The
Re:Logitech BT headsets (Score:2)
- The online support is poor. There is nothing at the logitech web site. I was looking for an online (or downloadable) manual of some sort. There is none.
Try http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logite ch_en_amr.cfg/php/enduser/fattach_get.php?p_sid=lL vOW37i&p_tbl=9&p_id=2880&p_created=1125077672&p_ol h=0 [custhelp.com]
Re:Logitech BT headsets (Score:2)
(When I got the headset a year ago there was nothing - I e-mailed tech support and they confirmed this.)
A rather thin round-up (Score:2)
Really good for a noisy environment - just put them on and you can run any fan you like in your PC! :->
Who Amazon.com thinks wears bluetooth headsets (Score:2, Interesting)
To set this up, earlier in the day I was reading a Fazed article about Amazon's new "person
iMuffs (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.wi-gear.com/products/imuffs/ [wi-gear.com]
I love the idea, and they'd work perfectly with my iPod.
Hats (Score:2, Informative)
Re:How much longer? (Score:2, Interesting)
Upgrades tend to be painfull.
Re:stylish? (Score:2)
.
Re:Not Bluetooth nor phone headset, so Off-Topic (Score:2)
You've got my attention! Just yesterday I was googling to see if the cell phone BT headsets could be connected to a PC (presumably, via a BT USB device) as I'd rather like to use it for VOIP, and it just seems silly to have to buy another device for the PC. I think it might be what I want for playing Unreal too.
My googling efforts seemed to say that any BT USB device should enable me to connect my BT headset (Bluetrek 6217 from Or
Re:Not Bluetooth nor phone headset, so Off-Topic (Score:2)
I'm myself pretty happy with the $20 Panasonic headset (BHX70A [cgi.ebay.in] I'm not in India, but that's the best link I could
Re:Why Pay 150? $40-50 Is More Like It. (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)